Hickory

About hickory

Hickory is related to the pecan tree, and once cut it is difficult to tell them apart.  Hickory while not quite as stable as some of the other woods, is quite hard.  The grain of the hickory is closed and tighter together, so if you like the look of a grainy wood, that isn’t as grainy as oak, then Hickory is for you.  It also comes in a wide variety of colour because the sapwood is a white, creamy colour, and can be easily stained. Hickory has a tendency to  take on moisture quicker than other species and therefore must  be installed on delivery. 

Due to the extreme sensitivity of Hickory, Superior Flooring by HSL WILL NOT warranty these products unless the products are kept at a relative humidity of 35% to 50% before and after installation. These products do NOT need to be acclimatized to their environment.

Colour

The heartwood is tan or reddish; sapwood is white to cream, with fine brown lines.

Grain

Hickory grain is closed, with moderate definition and a somewhat rough-texture.

Stability

Hickory shrinks quite significantly in the drying process compared to other common North American species. For this reason it is important to buy hickory hardwood flooring from a reputable manufacturer that has taken the time to dry the wood properly. To avoid swelling and shrinkage, DO NOT ACCLIMATIZE your hickory flooring, doing so will void the warranty.

Hardness

Hickory is one “tough nut” and its “tough guy” reputation still precedes it. Hickory is a very dense, stiff, hard and shock resistant wood. This combination of strength and durability is not found in any other domestic hardwood.